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Scientific Article details

Title Microplastics in the Great Lakes: Environmental, Health, and Socioeconomic Implications and Future Directions
ID_Doc 29645
Authors Fuschi, C; Pu, HH; MacDonell, M; Picel, K; Negri, M; Chen, JH
Title Microplastics in the Great Lakes: Environmental, Health, and Socioeconomic Implications and Future Directions
Year 2022
Published
DOI 10.1021/acssuschemeng.2c02896
Abstract Microplastics (MPs) are tiny pieces of plastic (<5 mm) that have been manufactured, shed from textiles, or formed as the degradation products of macroplastics. They can be taken up by aquatic organisms, leading to their incorporation into the food chain. Humans can consume MPs from fish as well as other impacted sources including bottled and tap water. MPs may pose risks to exposed organisms, and they can also act as vectors carrying additional adsorbed chemical pollutants and pathogens. MPs are an especially important focus regarding the Great Lakes because plastics comprise most of the litter, and the Great Lakes serve as a source of drinking water for 40 million people. This perspective summarizes the current state of MP pollution in the Great Lakes and potential risks posed to the environment, wildlife, and humans. A survey of detection, separation, and quantification methods is included. Potential remedies are explored, focusing on policy, human behavior, and the goal of a circular economy. Further research directions include standardizing detection and removal methods, assessing the health risk of MPs in the Great Lakes, and evaluating mitigation options.
Author Keywords Microplastics; Pollution; Great Lakes; Hazards; Regulation
Index Keywords Index Keywords
Document Type Other
Open Access Open Access
Source Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED)
EID WOS:000875684300001
WoS Category Chemistry, Multidisciplinary; Green & Sustainable Science & Technology; Engineering, Chemical
Research Area Chemistry; Science & Technology - Other Topics; Engineering
PDF https://doi.org/10.1021/acssuschemeng.2c02896
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